Adaptive drive or not
 

Hi guys,
I am about to place an order for the X5. This is what I am planning to get so far:

X5 with Sport Package,
Convenient Package,
Premium Sound,
Multi Contour seat
M sport package
3rd row seat (yes, I need it, still contemplate how to deal with emergency situation without spare tire)

I am debating the Adaptive drive option. My sale man said he would only suggest to add that option if I drive fast and tight turn often.

I would like to hear your inputs on this Adaptive drive option. Thank you.

Justin.

Get it. You won't regret it.

+1.

Third row seats will get you "self leveling" air suspension ... I believe. Not sure that "adaptive drive" is offered in combination with self leveling, because each feature uses it's own damper technology. Let us know.

I have both Adaptive and 3rd Row . . .

You can have them both at the same time, my 2008 4.8 has both. Self leveling replaces the rear coil springs with air bladders. Adaptive Drive adds computer adjustable shocks and sway bars, along with a slew of sensors for yaw, sway, etc....

GET IT!

wow. nobody has ever asked about "should I get AD".

I also have third row/self leveling and AD on my 2007.

This topic is the very first and original of its kind on this board :D

Personally, I do not like 'adaptive' suspensions. Too artificial. The standard suspension is typical BMW - firm, with some body roll when loaded up in the turns. AD is the opposite - more comfortable, with little body roll in the turns.

If you have an opportunity to drive both, decide which you prefer.

Interesting ... never heard it put that way, very descriptive and it makes a helluva lot of sense.

Any others out there that have driven both? Opinions? How would you describe the difference?

(PS. Very interested in hearing your opinions, because I am searching for my next X5 and so far have restricted the search to cars with adaptive drive. My current e70 has self leveling suspension)

With adaptive you can turn it off. ;) without it you can't. Which option do you want to have? Wish you had it and don't or have it and turn it off when you desire to? I keep mine on all the time. If you have an e70 if you have sport from 07-09 then you have it. Like it or not? I hate body roll so adaptive all the way. It's not a sports car I know but I still like my curves and with adaptive it helps immensely.

Drive it and pick. It's easier than getting a bunch of opinions because it is subjective. A 30 minute drive around some corners and you will know what you want.

Adaptive drive cannot be turned off. There are just two modes normal and sport. You just switch between the two with the sport button.

Chuck

You know I meant :)

Adaptive Drive Explained
 

The new BMW X5 2007 Adaptive Drive English Language - YouTube

I got it on my '12 X5 35d. It's a personal thing, you should try to test drive an x with/without it and see what you prefer.

Ive driven both. I've also driven a q45 with their AD back in the 1990s.

The BMW AD is brilliantly engineered to be minimally intrusive. IMO it simply makes the car 'feel smaller' no dramatic interventions, just a very well balanced alteration to the driving dynamics.

Salesmen never get to drive them so they canot be a source of advice

a

:iagree:
For a 2 ton SAV to drive like this is amazing...AD is a must have!

As some will say, AD is kinda like the "old" sport package set-up on previous BMWs (before it was a stand-alone option). Pre-2010 on the X5, when you got the sports package, AD was included--now it's separate an a la carte option.

The X5 is a lot more than 2 tons...more like 2.5 tons...and handles amazingly without AD as well (at least with the fat 20s; I have not driven one without them).

I haven't driven an X5 with AD, but I have no doubt in my mind that it works brilliantly.

My counterpoint would be that my biggest concern with new BMW vehicles is complexity, and this is another add-on system. More cost, but more importantly, more to break. My current mantra of buy simple, run longer, is in conflict with my appreciation of what AD can bring to the party.

If I was buying an X5 and planning to sell it after 3 years, I would likely get it. If I was planning on keeping the vehicle longer than that, it would move down from the must have list, to the nice to have list, to the not this time list. Along with a lot of other options that BMW engineers have dreamed up without sufficient regard for life cycle costing. IMO.